Haitian gangs launch new attacks after inauguration of new PM

Gang activity surges in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, following Fritz Belizaire’s inauguration as the new prime minister, succeeding Ariel Henry after his resignation

Hundreds of people fled violence early Thursday morning as gangs in Haiti besieged several neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince, torching homes and clashing with police as the announcement of Haiti’s new prime minister prompted the violence. Gangs resumed attacks in the airport area late on Wednesday, following months of closure due to gang activity.

On Feb. 29, the emergence of gang wars in Haiti forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation. After Henry’s resignation, former sports minister Fritz Belizaire became prime minister. Belizaire, who took the oath of office last week, is also under threat from gangs.

Because of the gangs’ superior operational capabilities in comparison to the Haitian military and police, the state is unable to put down the violence.

The U.N. reports that between January and March of this year, over 2,500 people were killed or injured; which represents an increase of more than 50% compared to the same period last year.

Over 90,000 people fled Port-au-Prince in a single month as gangs, which controls 80% of the capital city, expanded into more neighborhoods. Former police officer Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, leads the most dominant gang in Haiti.

Source: Newsroom